Re-use of vessels for transporting deck payloads

ABSTRACT

A system for transporting a payload in a marine environment that utilizes a converted vessel having at least one internal space, at least one interface system securingly attached to said vessel to support in a seaworthy fashion a payload above and/or at the vessel&#39;s deck.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus, namely a marine vessel which is re-used or converted to support a payload above and/or on a deck. The present invention further relates to a method of converting a marine vessel to support a payload above a deck.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Currently, single hull marine vessels of adequate quality and seaworthiness that are approaching forced retirement age are being acquired and converted for special service applications in the offshore oil field development and construction industry. In the offshore oil field development industry, such vessels are converted into storage vessels or floating production storage and offloading vessels (FPSO's). In the construction industry, such vessels are converted into pipe-lay vessels, craneships or specialized lifting vessels. In both industries, the vessel conversion requires extensive and significant modifications to the existing or originally designed cargo systems and internal spaces.

[0003] In certain circumstances, the forebody or cargo carrying portions of the vessel are completely removed and disposed of as scrap. The remaining section with the propulsion plant is typically fitted to a new forebody and thereafter enters service as a new vessel. In other circumstances, original material handling systems, such as the piping and pumping systems, are totally or partially removed or rendered inoperably in the conversion. Similar alterations are carried out to the internal spaces which significantly alter or destroy the original functionality.

[0004] Vessels which are not acquired or selected for conversion, but face forced retirement due to legislation or regulations (such as the requirement for double skinned hulls) are typically scrapped. A significant number of these vessels are of a high structural and operational quality, but for legislation or regulations, are being scrapped or at least forced out of the originally intended service.

[0005] Previous usages or conversions of existing marine vessels are disclosed in a number of references. A few exemplars are set forth below. U.S. Pat. No. 3,919,960 issued to Amoss in 1975 discloses a ship and method of construction for converting two ships into a single wider hulled ship by utilizing a pair of juxtapositioned stern sections. More specifically, each stern section (with its own machinery) is joined to a common and wider forebody. This conversion transforms existing conventional vessels, which are economically obsolete because of their limited cargo carrying capacity, into vessels of increased load carrying and power capacities.

[0006] However, the disclosure does not contemplate exploitation of the existing payload characteristics and quality of the discarded forebodies.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,162 issued to Beaupre et al. in 1999 discloses a tanker reconstruction method whereby a new outer hull is constructed around the existing hull to form a double hull vessel. This disclosure seeks to extend or at least maintain the usefulness of the original tanker and its cargo carrying capacity but at great cost and with an increase in the vessel's molded depth and molded beam. An increase which may prohibit the converted vessel from transiting the Suez and/or Panama Canals.

[0008] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,088 issued to Fanse et al. in 1989, an over-water compressed gas transport system having a storage vessel disposed on or above the deck of a vessel is disclosed. This disclosure contemplates only on or above deck storage and transportation of compressed gases in storage elements formed from standard oil field pipeline type pipes. A major drawback of this disclosure is the failure to: exploit the vessel's existing internal spaces and piping systems for the carriage of cargoes/ballast; and extend the operational life of an existing vessel by allowing a variety of payloads to be carried above deck.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention in its several disclosed embodiments alleviates the drawbacks described above with respect to conventional vessel conversions and the carriage of payloads on or above a deck. Furthermore the present invention as disclosed incorporates several additionally beneficial features further enhances the conversion and re-use of existing vessels.

[0010] The present invention generally contemplates a low-cost conversion and novel re-use of existing marine vessels by controlling and exploiting the buoyant force of the vessel's internal space to allow a substantial amount of a payload to be supported in a seaworthy manner above the main deck. Furthermore the present invention is intended to provide:

[0011] (a) a vessel fitted with an interface system to support, in a seaworthy manner, a substantial portion of a payload in a marine environment through the control and manipulation of the vessel's buoyant force and stability;

[0012] (b) a novel conversion of an existing vessel by performing low-cost modifications which strengthen locally and globally the hull to support, in a seaworthy fashion, a payload in a marine environment;

[0013] (c) a novel conversion of an existing vessel with at least one internal space by installing an interface system to support a payload above a deck and constructing at least one void in the hull to form a double skinned vessel to allow the carriage of valuable material in the at least one internal space;

[0014] (d) a method for re-using a seaworthy vessel to support payloads above deck with an installed interface system and below deck carriage of valuable material with at least one existing internal space (like a cargo tank or hold) and at least one existing material handling system (like a liquid cargo piping/pumping system or crane);

[0015] (e) a method for re-classifying a vessel to support, in a seaworthy fashion, a payload above and/or on a deck without significant changes (or modifications) to the functionality of the existing internal space(s) or the existing material handling system(s).

[0016] (f) a novel conversion of an existing vessel to carry, in a seaworthy fashion, loads above deck without significant changes to the functionality of the existing internal space(s) or the existing material handling system(s); and

[0017] (g) a novel low-cost method of decommissioning an existing vessel with at least one internal space from one service and commissioning it in another service which includes the transportation of a payload at and/or above a deck.

[0018] In general, the interface system is a network of structural members configured to support, in a seaworthy manner, a payload; strengthen globally and locally the vessel's hull; and transfer load forces to the vessel's hull. The payload support region of the interface system is adapted to receive a wide variety of permanently or removably fixed payloads, such as compressed natural gas storage modules (or containers), intermodal containers, extremely large bulky cargoes (like preassembled subsections of a refinery) or even seating, accommodations or a hotel. The foundation region of the interface system is configured to be permanently or removably fixed to the vessel. As can be appreciated, the payload support region (or a portion thereof) can be in a permanently fixed, removable fixed or moveable fixed relationship to the foundation region.

[0019] The beneficial effects described above apply generally to the exemplary devices and mechanisms disclosed herein. The specific structures and methods through which these benefits are delivered will be described in detail herein below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0020] The invention will now be described in greater detail in the following way of example only and with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0021]FIG. 1A depicts a side view of an interface module fixed to a deck of a vessel with internal spaces supporting a compressed natural gas module payload.

[0022]FIG. 1B is a cross sectional view through the vessel of FIG. 1A.

[0023]FIG. 2A shows a side view of an interface module fixed to a deck of a vessel with a double hull supporting a compressed natural gas module payload above deck and supporting a fluid payload below deck.

[0024]FIG. 2B is a cross sectional view through the vessel of FIG. 2A.

[0025]FIG. 3A depicts a side view of an interface module fixed to a deck of a vessel with internal spaces supporting a payload of intermodal containers.

[0026]FIG. 3B is a cross sectional view through the vessel of FIG. 3A.

[0027]FIG. 4A shows a side view of an interface module fixed to a deck of a vessel with a double hull supporting a payload of intermodal containers above deck and supporting a fluid payload below deck.

[0028]FIG. 4B is a cross sectional view through the vessel of FIG. 4A.

[0029]FIG. 5A depicts a side view of an interface module fixed to a deck of a vessel with internal spaces supporting a payload of continuous pipes wound in plural layers, each layer having plural loops.

[0030]FIG. 5B is a cross sectional view through the vessel of FIG. 5A.

[0031]FIG. 6A depicts a side view of an interface module fixed to a deck of a vessel with a double hull supporting a payload of continuous pipes wound in plural layers, each layer having plural loops above deck and supporting a fluid payload below deck.

[0032]FIG. 6B is a cross sectional view through the vessel of FIG. 6A.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0033] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

[0034] Referring to the drawings in general but FIGS. 1A & B, 3A & B and 5A & B in particular, a vessel 10 fitted with an interface system 30 supporting a payload 40 above a deck 20 is shown. The vessel 10 depicted has at least one internal space 50 adapted to receive material (not shown) and accessible by at least one material handling system (not shown). As can be appreciated, most vessels 10 will have more than one internal space 50.

[0035] As described above, the interface system 30 may be configured to receive and support, in a seaworthy manner, a compressed natural gas (CNG) module 42 (FIG. 1A & B), an intermodal container 44 (FIG. 3A & B), a CNG coselle™ 46 (FIG. 5A & B) and/or accommodations (not shown). In each of these embodiments, the internal space 50 may take the form of a liquid petroleum cargo tank, a liquid cargo tank, ballast tank, bulk cargo hold or a combination thereof as found in ore/bulk/oil (OBO) vessels. In each of these embodiments, the vessel 10 is limited to the carriage of material (like ballast) or cargo which does not require a double hull vessel.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the interface module 30 is securely attached to a single hull tanker converted into a double hull tanker (FIGS. 2A & B, 4A & B, 6A & B). The single hull tanker is converted to a double hull vessel 10 by creating a void 60 between the internal space 50 and the marine environment. In another embodiment, the interface module 30 is securingly attached to an existing double hull vessel. In both embodiments, the internal space 50 retains its original functionality as a cargo hold or liquid tank. Likewise, the material handling system(s), if fitted, retain(s) its original functionality to convey material in or out of the internal space(s) 50. The internal space(s) 50 and void(s) 60 may be used to control the seaworthiness, buoyancy and/or stability of the double hull vessel 10.

[0037] In yet another embodiment, the interface system 30 is removably fixed to an existing vessel 10 in the form of a double hull bulk, ore or OBO type ship. In this embodiment, the internal space 50 is in the form of a hold or tank/hold adapted to receive material (not shown) in bulk form through a hatch (not shown). The material handling system, if fitted, is in the form of a mast and boom combination, crane, gantry crane or similar lifting apparatus. That portion of the interface system 30 which obstructs the functionality of the internal space(s) 50 is(are) further configured to be removable by the vessel's material handling system, if fitted, or a material handling system located off the vessel 10.

[0038] The interface system 30 is a network of structural members (not shown) configured to support, in a seaworthy manner, a payload 40; strengthen globally and locally the hull of a vessel 10; and transfer load forces (such as the payload weight and/or dynamic loading from the marine environment) to the hull of the vessel 10. The payload support region (not shown) of the interface system 30 is adapted to receive a wide variety of permanently or removably fixed payloads 40, such as compressed natural gas storage modules 42 and 46, intermodal containers 44, extremely large bulky cargoes (like preassembled subsections of a refinery) or even passenger accommodations (not shown). The foundation region (not shown) of the interface system 30 is configured to be permanently or removably fixed to the vessel 10. As can be appreciated, the payload support region (or a portion thereof) can be in a permanently fixed or moveable fixed relationship to the foundation region to encourage or promote the handling of the payload 40. For example, if the CNG module 42 is supported by a moveably fixed payload support region, then the payload support region can be tilted at one end to change or maintain the attitude of the CNG module independent of the vessel's trim or list.

[0039] In another embodiment, a plurality of substantially vertical stanchions (not shown) covers a significant portion of the deck 20. Each stanchion is securely fixed near one end to and extends away from the deck 20 to form the foundation region (not shown) of the interface system 30. The foundation region may also include bracing and/or web frames attached to a significant number of the stanchions to encourage a unitary foundation region.

[0040] A network of substantially co-planar interconnected longitudinal and transverse beams to form at least one payload region of the interface system 30. In one embodiment, at least one payload region is permanently fixed to the distal end of a significant number of stanchions. In another embodiment, at least one payload region is permanently fixed to a substantially mid-portion of a significant number of stanchions so that the distal ends extend above the substantially horizontal plane defined by the interconnected beams. In another embodiment, a significant portion of at least one payload region can be removably or slidably mounted to the foundation region at a number of predetermined planes which are substantially parallel to and above the deck 20. In another embodiment, a significant portion of at least one payload region can be removably or slidably mounted to the foundation region at an infinite number of planes which may or may not be substantially parallel to the deck 20. This ability to articulate about at least three degrees of freedom enhances the ability to accommodate and support irregular shaped payloads 40 or enhance cargo operations. The articulation described above allows for inclining the interface system 30 in relation to the deck 20. Where a slidable mounting is utilized, a preferred embodiment includes adequate articulation between critical interconnections of the elements which make up the interface system 30 thereby eliminating or at least significantly reducing binding forces upon the interface system 30. Removable and/or slidable mounting may be achieved with securing pins and receivers arrangements; rack and pinion assemblies and/or jacking screw mechanisms.

[0041] The lower portion of the interface system 30 is fixed to the vessel 10 and adapted to transfer forces from the interface system 30 to the vessel 10 via stanchions pads (not shown) and/or deck inserts (not shown).

[0042] As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the vessel 10 may be a self-propelled marine vessel or a marine vessel adapted to be moved by a self-propelled vessel. Furthermore, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the claims.

[0043] Industrial Applicability

[0044] The present invention finds particular applicability in the marine transportation industries, but may be utilized in any marine environment in which an existing vessel can be modified and re-used to support a payload above a deck in a marine environment. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for transporting a payload in a marine environment, said system comprising: a vessel having at least one internal space, wherein said vessel is converted from an existing marine vessel; at least one interface system securingly attached to said vessel, wherein said interface system is configured to support, in a seaworthy fashion, said payload; and a deck of said vessel positioned between a significant portion of said interface system and said at least one internal space.
 2. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said vessel further having at least one void positioned between said internal space and said marine environment forming a double hull.
 3. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said vessel is self propelled.
 4. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said vessel is adapted to be moved by a self propelled vessel.
 5. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said existing marine vessel is a tanker.
 6. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said existing marine vessel is a barge.
 7. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one internal space is a tank adapted to receive fluid material.
 8. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein said fluid is a liquid, and said vessel further comprises at least one material handling system fluidly connected to said tank to load and discharge said liquid.
 9. The system as recited in claim 8, wherein said liquid is ballast water.
 10. The system as recited in claim 8, wherein said liquid is cargo.
 11. The system as recited in claim 8, wherein said at least one material handling system is from said existing marine vessel.
 12. The system as recited in claim 11, wherein said at least one interface system is further configured and securingly attached to said vessel to substantially preserve the original functionality of said tank and said material handling system.
 13. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one internal space is a cargo hold adapted to receive bulk material.
 14. The system as recited in claim 13, wherein said vessel further comprises at least one material handling system capable of accessing said cargo hold to load and discharge said bulk material.
 15. The system as recited in claim 14, wherein said at least one material handling system is from said existing marine vessel.
 16. The system as recited in claim 15, wherein said at least one interface system is further configured and securingly attached to said vessel to substantially preserve the original functionality of said cargo hold and said material handling system.
 17. The system as recited in claim 2, wherein said at least one internal space is a tank adapted to receive fluid material.
 18. The system as recited in claim 17, wherein said fluid is a liquid, and said vessel further comprises at least one material handling system fluidly connected to said tanks to load and discharge said liquid.
 19. The system as recited in claim 18, wherein said liquid is ballast water.
 20. The system as recited in claim 18, wherein said liquid is cargo.
 21. The system as recited in claim 18, wherein said at least one material handling system is from said existing marine vessel.
 22. The system as recited in claim 21, wherein said at least one interface system is further configured and securingly attached to said vessel to substantially preserve the original functionality of said tank and said material handling system.
 23. The system as recited in claim 2, wherein said at least one internal space is a cargo hold adapted to receive bulk material.
 24. The system as recited in claim 23, wherein said vessel further comprises at least one material handling system capable of accessing said cargo hold to load and discharge said bulk material.
 25. The system as recited in claim 24, wherein said at least one material handling system is from said existing marine vessel.
 26. The system as recited in claim 25, wherein said at least one interface is further configured and securingly attached to said vessel to substantially preserve the original functionality of said cargo hold and said material handling system.
 27. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one interface system comprises a network of structural members configured to simultaneously support, in a seaworthy manner, said payload, strengthen globally and locally said vessel, and transfer load forces to said vessel.
 28. The system as recited in claim 27, wherein said network of structural members comprises at least one payload support region and at least one foundation region, said at least one payload support region is adapted to receive a wide variety of said payload, and said at least one foundation region comprises a plurality of substantially vertical stanchions interposed and fixed between said at least one payload support region and said deck.
 29. The system as recited in claim 28, wherein a substantial number of said stanchions are positioned across a significant portion of said deck and each are securely fixed near a first end to said deck with a second end projecting away from said deck.
 30. The system as recited in claim 29, wherein said at least one foundation region further comprises support bracing and web frames attached to a significant number of said stanchions to encourage unity in said at least one foundation region.
 31. The system as recited in claim 30, wherein said at least one payload region further comprises a network of substantially co-planar interconnected longitudinal and transverse beams.
 32. The system as recited in claim 31, wherein said at least one payload region is permanently fixed to a significant number of said second ends.
 33. The system as recited in claim 31, wherein said at least one payload region is permanently fixed to a substantially mid-portion of a significant number of stanchions so that a significant number of said second ends extend above said interconnected beams.
 34. The system as recited in claim 31, wherein said at least one payload region can be removably mounted to said at least one foundation region at a number of predetermined planes above said deck.
 35. The system as recited in claim 34, wherein said predetermined planes are substantially parallel to said deck.
 36. The system as recited in claim 34, wherein said predetermined planes are not substantially parallel to said deck to promote handling of said at least one payload.
 37. The system as recited in claim 34, wherein securing pin and receiver arrangements are used to removably mount said at least one payload region to said foundation region.
 38. The system as recited in claim 31, wherein said at least one payload region is slidably mounted to said at least one foundation region at an infinite number of planes above said deck thereby providing said at least one payload region the ability to articulate about at least three degrees of freedom irrespective of said vessel's trim and list.
 39. The system as recited in claim 38, wherein a rack and pinion assembly is interposed between said at least one payload region and said at least one foundation region to achieve said slidable mounting and said articulation.
 40. The system as recited in claim 38, wherein a jacking screw mechanism is interposed between said at least one payload region and said at least one foundation regions to achieve said slidable mounting and said articulation.
 41. The system as recited in claim 38, wherein said structural members of said at least one interface system have articulated interconnections between each of said members at least significantly reduce binding forces upon said at least one interface system.
 42. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said payload is at least one compressed natural gas container.
 43. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said payload is at least one intermodal container.
 44. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said payload is a hotel accommodation.
 45. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said internal space is a tank.
 46. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said internal space is a hold.
 47. A method for converting an existing marine vessel with at least one internal space to support, in a seaworthy fashion, a payload subjected to a marine environment, comprising the steps of: constructing at least one interface system configured to support a substantial portion of said payload; adapting said existing marine vessel to securingly receive said at least one interface system whereby forces from said at least one interface system are substantially transferred to said marine vessel; and fitting said at least one interface system to said marine vessel without substantially altering the functionality of said at least one internal space to receive and convey materials.
 48. The method as recited in claim 47, further comprising the step of constructing at least one void in said marine vessel to form a double skinned marine vessel.
 48. A method for transporting payloads in a seaworthy manner aboard an existing marine vessel, comprising the steps of: installing an interface system in proximity to a deck of said marine vessel, said interface system is configured to support a substantial portion of said payload, and said marine vessel having at least one internal space capable of being loaded and unloaded with material by a material handling system; supporting a payload by said interface system; navigating said vessel to a discharge port; and discharging said payload at said port.
 49. The method as recited in claim 48, further comprising the step of constructing an interface system configured to support a substantial portion of said payload above said deck.
 50. The method as recited in claim 49, further comprising the step of configuring said interface system to hold and support, in a seaworthy manner, at least one container.
 51. The method as recited in claim 50, further comprising the step of configuring said container to receive a fluid. 